Fribourg
[key], Ger. Freiburg, canton , 645 sq mi (1,671 sq km), W
Switzerland. Located on the Swiss Plateau and amid the foothills of the
Alps, Fribourg is an agricultural region known for its cattle and cheese
(notably Gruyère). Industries include the production of watches and
chocolate. The canton is overwhelmingly Catholic, and the inhabitants are
two-thirds French-speaking. It joined the Swiss Confederation in 1481 after
being enlarged with land ceded from Vaud. A new constitution was adopted in
1857. The town of Fribourg, the canton's original settlement
and capital, is rich in medieval architecture and picturesquely situated on
the Sarine River. It is famous for its chocolate. Other manufactures include
machinery, electrical equipment, wood products, beer, and clothing. Founded
in 1178 by Berchtold IV, duke of Zähringen, it passed successively to
the houses of Kyburg (1218), Hapsburg (1277), and Savoy (1452). Fribourg is
an episcopal residence. It has many convents and churches, including the
Cathedral of St. Nicholas (13th–14th cent.). The Catholic Univ. was
founded in 1889.
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